Sangamling Sebastian Kamei
The Nagas’ struggle for Self-determination has entered a crucial phase. In this defining moment of our political struggle, this appeal is being released to give a clarion call to all fellow Nagas to take full cognizance of the prevailing political developments in our society. This pamphlet also aims to create general awareness and stir up the political momentum to ensure that an honourable, just and acceptable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political problem is found at the earliest.
Genesis of Naga movement:--
In order to have clear concept, perspective and the rational of the Naga National Movement, a brief historical account of the Naga struggle for freedom may be looked into. The genesis of the Nagas’ struggle for Self-determination may be traced back to the days of the British colonial regime in South Asia. From time immemorial, the Naga people had been living a free life subject to no other political authority from outside. But by the early part of the 19th century the British started sporadic interference. The Nagas fiercely resisted such interference because they are freedom loving people by nature. The first half of the 20th century witnessed the culmination of British intrusion into Naga territories.
The Naga Club:--
The first sign of Naga coming together in an organized way was the formation of Naga Club on 1918. This Club was formed basically by Nagas after their return from Europe . These Nagas, numbering some 2000 were taken to Europe by the British during the First World War to help them as labour corps. The initial activities of the Club were largely confined to social and cultural related activities.
Jadonang and Naga Raj Movement:--
It is now widely accepted by many scholars that the first politically organized Naga resistance against the British was the revolt of Jadonang. As early as 1926-27, Jadonang and his followers started campaigning against the British authorities. In a well organized and systematic manner he went about organizing the Naga villages not to give any cooperation to the British administration, He urged the villagers not to give House taxes to the British. He even started acquiring arms to fight the British. He declared that the British Raj will come to an end soon and gave the famous slogan ‘Makaam Guangtupuni’ meaning, the ‘Kingdom of Naga shall reign’. The then British authorities knowing fully well, the potential threat posed by Jadonang got him arrested and hanged on 29th August 1931 through a conspiracy.
The Simon Commission:--
Another landmark in the history of Nagas’ struggle was the Memorandum submitted by Naga Club to the Simon Commission in 1929, expressing great regret that the Naga Hills District was included within the Reform Scheme of India. The Memorandum further clearly stated that the Nagas be left alone to determine their own future in the event of the British leaving the Indian sub-continent. It may also be noted that the Naga Hills District along with North Eastern Frontier Tract was declared, “Excluded Areas”.
Naga National Council
It may be rightly said that the formation of the Naga National Council (NNC) in 1946 was one of the most important events in the history of Nagas’ struggle for freedom because NNC would soon become the umbrella organization for the Nagas to fight for their independence.
The Hydari Agreement:-
The Hydari Agreement or the Nine Point Agreement arrived at between the Naga National Council and Akbar Hydari, the Governor of Assam in June 1947 was a historic agreement per se. For instance, Clause 4 of the agreement clearly mentions that the land with all its resources in the Naga Hills should not be alienated to a non-Naga without the consent of the Naga National Council. Clause 6 of the same agreement also clearly states that all Naga areas may be brought under one unified administrative unit.
Nagas under the Leadership of A.Z. Phizo:--
The Nagas’ struggle for independence picked up momentum when A.Z. Phizo took over the leadership of NNC in 1950. A.Z. Phizo was elected NNC president on December 11, 1950. The call for ‘Non Cooperation’ with India was given. This was followed by the plebiscite of May 16th 1951, to which over 99.9% Nagas supported for Naga independence. Instead of honouring the mandate of the Nagas, the Indian Government sent in, thousands of troops in Naga areas to suppress the Naga Movement. Fierce fighting between the two sides continued upto 1964 when thousands of Nagas had sacrificed their lives at the altar of Naga freedom. By 1964, the first Indo-Naga cease-fire was declared largely due to the efforts of Peace Mission, comprising of Rev. Michael Scot. Jayaprakash Narayan and B.P Chaliha. During the cease-fire period a series of negotiations were held between the Naga leaders and the Government of India but there was no tangible solution because each side was not willing to compromise on their respective stands. Meanwhile, when the fierce struggle was going on under the leadership of NNC headed by A.Z. Phizo. Some Nagas under the banner of Naga People Convention signed the Sixteen Point Agreement in July 1960, which resulted into the formation of present Nagaland State. This Agreement was opposed tooth and nail by NNC but the inauguration of the State was set in motion in 1963. The Government of India adopted the ‘Divide and Rule’ policy learned from its’ colonial masters to suppress the legitimate aspiration of the Nagas to live as free people.
The Shillong Accord:-
Much has been said about the Shillong Accord in the last three decades or so. Repetition of the debates about the Accord may not be required here. But two things stand out very clear. This Accord is a complete sell out of the rights of the Nagas and the Accord had brought about the division within the rank and file of NNC which culminated into the formation of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) in 1980 under the leadership of Isak Chishi Swu, Th. Muivah, S.S. Khaplang and others. The NSCN further split into two factions in 1988 but the fight for justice and freedom continues.
The present Indo-Naga peace process under the leadership of Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah.
The present Indo-Naga peace process has entered a very crucial and critical stage. In the process of negotiation between the Government of India and NSCN, India has recognized the ‘Unique history and situations of the Nagas’ and any solution will be based on the uniqueness of Naga history. In this crucial period every decision that we take can have far reaching consequences in Naga politics. Therefore, our decisions and actions have to be well considered ones. If the Naga people expect miracles to happen and bring about solution to the age-old Naga problem without peoples’ active participation we may be greatly mistaken. The Collective Leadership is engaged in serious negotiations and they are doing their best to solve the Indo-Naga problem through dialogues but a united and concerted efforts of all Nagas to help expedite the peace process is the need of the hour. It is this need and the call of the hour that motivate me to issue this statement as a humble appeal to all fellow Nagas in this defining moment of our struggle to do self introspection and come forward to participate in the process of nation-building. Let us not forget our history. During the first Indo-Naga cease-fire period the participation of the civil societies and the Naga public was very negligible in the process of negotiation with the Government of India. We are very happy that this time around the Collective Leadership is engaged in series of consultations with the Naga public to ensure that solution is found based on the will and wishes of the masses. This also means that the Naga civil societies, common people, peoples’ representatives (MLAs, MPs etc.) have a big role to play. The most immediate need of the hour is to contribute our humble might in the process of finding an honourable, just and acceptable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political problem and to do whatever we can to bring about unification of Naga areas. Half-hearted measures, double standards will not do any more. The time has come to take hard and bold decisions based on truth and the foundation on which our movement is based. I appeal to all fellow Nagas to rise to the occasion and give your fullest cooperation in this process of nation building.
May God bless the Naga people.
KUKNALIM
The writer is the former President of Naga Students Union, Delhi.
